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President Noboa Raises Doubts About Ecuador’s Election Results
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has cast doubt on the integrity of the country’s recent presidential race, claiming that the first-round results show “irregularities.” In an interview with Radio Centro, Noboa expressed skepticism about the tally, though he did not provide concrete evidence of any malfeasance. “There have been many irregularities, and we are still counting,” Noboa stated. “We are still checking in certain provinces where there were things that did not add up.” However, independent election observers, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union, quickly refuted his claims, stating that their data confirmed the official results within a margin of error. The OAS emphasized that they had not identified any widespread irregularities that could alter the election outcome, while Gabriel Mato, a member of the European Parliament, noted that there was no objective evidence of fraud. Both Noboa and his left-wing rival, Luisa Gonzalez, received approximately 44 percent of the ballots, leading to a runoff election.
A History of Election Controversies
Noboa and Gonzalez have a long history of acrimonious political battles. Their rivalry dates back to 2023 when then-President Guillermo Lasso invoked a constitutional provision called “muerte cruzada” or “crossed death,” leading to the dissolution of the National Assembly and his early resignation. A snap election was called to determine who would serve the remainder of Lasso’s term, a period of 18 months. Noboa, the son of a wealthy banana industry baron and a first-term assembly person, entered the race as a dark horse candidate. Despite initial odds, he won the runoff election against Gonzalez, receiving 52 percent of the vote to her 48 percent. The two remain fierce critics of each other, and their rivalry has set the stage for the 2025 general election.
Noboa’s Accusations and Gonzalez’s Retort
In his recent interview with Radio Centro, Noboa took a sharp tone against Gonzalez’s Citizen Revolution party, alleging that its members had released criminals from Ecuador’s jails to influence the vote. He also praised his voters for braving “thousands of threats” to cast their ballots. “I am proud of the way in which the great majority of Ecuadorians behaved in these elections. Despite thousands of threats, they decided to vote for progress,” Noboa said. However, he provided no evidence to back his claims. Gonzalez, in response, blasted Noboa’s insinuations, asserting that her supporters are neither drug traffickers nor criminals. She also criticized Noboa for failing to curb the country’s rising crime rates, despite employing heavy-handed tactics that critics say have led to human rights abuses.
Noboa’s Unconstitutional Campaign Tactics
Adding to the controversy, Noboa’s decision to campaign for re-election while delegating authority to an interim vice president was recently declared unconstitutional. This move has further fueled tensions and raised questions about the legitimacy of his campaign. Noboa’s critics, including former President Rafael Correa, have been vocal in their disapproval. Correa, who is in exile in Belgium and facing corruption charges, took to social media to criticize Noboa and his allies, calling them “bad losers.” The declaration of unconstitutionality adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape.
International Observers’ Perspectives
Despite Noboa’s allegations, international election observers have maintained a clear stance on the election’s integrity. The OAS and the European Union’s election monitoring teams have both confirmed that the results are within acceptable margins of error and that there are no widespread irregularities. Mato, the European Parliament member, emphasized that both candidates had expressed reservations about the results, but there was no substantive evidence to support claims of fraud. The OAS has invited any complaints to be formally filed with the relevant authorities, underscoring the importance of a transparent and fair electoral process.
A Runoff for the Presidency
Both Noboa and Gonzalez will proceed to a second round of voting on April 13. The outcome of this runoff will determine the next four-year term of the presidency. The stakes are high, and the political climate remains charged. Noboa’s re-election bid, if successful, would secure his first full term. Gonzalez, on the other hand, is vying to unseat the incumbent and continue the legacy of her mentor, Rafael Correa. The election has already been marked by intense rhetoric and allegations, and the runoff is likely to continue this trend. As Ecuadorians prepare for the next round of voting, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent process that upholds the democratic principles of the nation.
